Joe Root finally ended his century drought in Australia, guiding England to 325 for 9 on the opening day of the day-night second Ashes Test at the Gabba. His unbeaten 135 anchored a batting display that blended restraint with reckless flair, while Mitchell Starc terrorised the lower order with 6 for 71, surpassing Wasim Akram’s record for most Test wickets by a left-arm quick.
After opting to bat on a green Gabba strip, England slumped early to 5 for 2 inside 15 balls, with Starc removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks. Zak Crawley countered the early strikes with a well-timed 76 off 93 balls, forming a crucial third-wicket stand with Root. The pair steadied England, but middle-order collapses meant the tourists never fully escaped the Australian attack.
Starc’s second spell under lights ripped through the tail, yet Root found invaluable support from No.11 Jofra Archer, putting on an unbroken 61-run partnership to lift England past the 300-run mark. The innings showcased England’s blend of grit and daring, with several batters succumbing to Starc’s mid-140kph deliveries and cunning short-ball tactics.
The day also saw Australia make a surprise selection switch, recalling Michael Neser in place of frontline spinner Nathan Lyon, while skipper Pat Cummins missed out. England’s innings, marked by four ducks, bursts of aggression, and calculated partnerships, was capped by Root’s long-awaited century, celebrated under the Gabba lights.
Players from both sides wore black armbands in tribute to former England batter Robin Smith, who passed away this week, adding a poignant note to a dramatic and absorbing opening day in Brisbane.
